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3.29.2013

Good Friday & Crucifixion

Today is Good Friday. As we all go about our day today, I just pray that we can take time to reflect on what Jesus did for us on this day about 2000 years ago. I just ask that you truly ponder the events that happened, and how brutally he was tortured... for your (and my) sin.

Everyday we are given new life and a fresh start. Everyday we are granted grace and forgiveness.

Everyday we are given breath and a heartbeat.

We are given these things because of what Jesus gave up for us on the cross.

I found a summary description online of what the crucifixion physically entailed. (p.s. the description is graphic).

"Roman crucifixion was an ancient method of execution in which the victim's hands and feet were bound and nailed to a cross. It was one of the most painful and disgraceful methods of capitol punishment. Victims were usually beaten and tortured and then forced to carry their own cross to the crucifixion site. the Roman cross was formed of wood, typically with a vertical stake and a horizontal cross beam near the top. Different types of shapes of crosses existed for different forms of crucifixion. Wooden planks were usually fastened to the vertical stake as a footrest or seat, allowing the victim to rest his weight and lift himself for a breath, thus prolonging suffering and delaying death for up to three days. Unsupported, the victim would hang entirely from nail-pierced wrists, severely restricting breathing and circulation. This excruciating ordeal would lead to exhaustion, suffocation, brain death and heart failure. At times, mercy was shown by breaking the victim's legs, causing death to come quickly, As a deterrent to crime, crucifixions were carried out in highly public places with the criminal charges posted on the cross above the victim's head" (source).

...keep in mind this all happened after he was whipped and tortured. It should have been us up on the cross, but instead Jesus took it for us, and in return we get forgiveness.

If you have not seen this video, please watch it. I have posted it on my blog before and again a couple of days ago on my Facebook. I just pray that today we all have humble and thankful hearts for what our savior did to save us.